The DFG Community Impact Foundation marked its fifth annual International Women’s Day celebration Thursday evening by honoring women leaders under the theme “Give to Gain.”
The waterfront event on St. Thomas recognized 20 “Women of Distinction,” including trailblazers, inspirational leaders and women “in the spotlight” from health care, education, entrepreneurship, media, public service and community organizing.
The program featured opening remarks, a prayer, introductions of honorees and a keynote address by Cora Richardson-Hodge, premier of Anguilla, a St. Thomas native and the first woman to serve as the island’s premier, who focused on women’s resilience, persistent gender inequities and the broader benefits of women’s advancement.
“Serve with a heart, lead with a purpose,” Richardson-Hodge said, describing her guiding motto. “When women rise, families rise. When women are safe, communities grow stronger, and when women lead, nations move forward,” she said.
The evening blended ceremony and celebration as attendees were encouraged to network, listen to live music from Topp Notch Band and support the foundation’s work through bar sales, donations, and a 50/50 raffle.
The DFG Community Impact Foundation, founded by former Sen. Donna A. Frett‑Gregory in 2019, uses events such as its International Women’s Day celebration to support youth meal programs, scholarships and activities for seniors. Frett‑Gregory told attendees that the foundation’s efforts include the summer Kids Kitchen Program, which provides meals to children in housing communities, as well as literacy initiatives and outreach to cancer patients and older adults.
Organizers said the event aimed to recognize women’s achievements while reinvesting in the community and inspiring future generations across the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“At its core, our work has always been about giving so that our community can gain,” Frett-Gregory said. “Because here in the Virgin Islands, women are often the backbone of our families, our organizations and our communities. We lead with strength, compassion and resilience, often quietly but always powerfully.”
In addition to presenting awards, the foundation announced a $1,000 donation to the St. Thomas Majorettes. The program also featured a fireside chat with several honorees who discussed leadership, service and guidance for younger women. Panelists spoke about navigating male-dominated fields, balancing compassion with authority, and the importance of mentoring others as they advance in their careers.
Tess Richards, executive and medical director of St. Thomas East End Medical Center Corp., offered this advice during the discussion. “When women stop waiting for permission to speak, permission to lead, and start walking in purpose, things change.”
DFG-CIF Inc. 2025 Trailblazers
Hon. Cora Richardson-Hodge, premier of Anguilla
Jeannette A. Rhymer, educator and musician
Julia Sheen, executive director, Diabetes Center of Excellence
DFG-CIF Inc. 2025 Inspirational Leaders
Sandra Colbourne, retired police captain
Rosalia Payne, educator and former superintendent of schools
Dr. Tess Richards, executive and medical director, St. Thomas East End Medical Center Corp.
DFG-CIF Inc. 2025 Women in the Spotlight
Deborah Alcé-Frankline, nurse and practice manager, VI Urologic Center
Dr. Cira Emilia Escotto Burke, educator and TV host/producer
Necia Frett Meyers, owner, Neja’s Unique Creations
Tamara James, senior research analyst, 13D Research & Strategy
Shereese V. Jurgen, director of therapeutic recreation, Department of Human Services
Aparna Nagpal, owner, Caribana
Cynthia Ambrose, owner, The Perfect Image
Janice Paris, owner, Love City BBQ
Gabrielle Querrard, producer and host, Caribbean Mystics Podcast
LaReina Robinson, president, Livewire Sports Inc.
Halima Roebuck, owner, 101.3 ROE FM WEVI
Marsha Taylor, regional vice president, The Village Virgin Islands Partners in Recovery Inc./WestCare
Patricia A. Thomas, director, St. Thomas Majorettes Inc.
Judith Watson, coproprietor, Petite Pump Room Bar & Restaurant
